Wreck Fishing for Sharks & Goliath Grouper
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target massive sharks and Goliath Grouper in Gulf watersFish deep channels, reefs, and wrecks near BradentonSmall group charter accommodates up to four anglers
When you're looking for the ultimate big game fishing experience in the Gulf of Mexico, nothing beats targeting the wrecks off Bradenton for sharks and Goliath Grouper. Bear Hull Fishing Charters specializes in putting you on these underwater structures where the Gulf's most powerful predators hunt. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about serious fishing for serious fish. You'll be using heavy tackle to battle creatures that can easily reach triple digits, all while fishing some of the most productive structure in Florida waters. With space for up to 4 anglers, this charter gives you the personal attention and room you need to work these big fish properly.
We'll head out to the deep-channeled islands and artificial reefs where the big boys live. The wrecks in this area are magnets for baitfish, and where you find bait, you find predators. You'll be fishing with robust rods and reels designed to handle the power of a bull shark or the dead weight of a Goliath Grouper trying to get back to its hole. We also use handlines for certain situations – there's something primal about feeling that direct connection when a big fish hits. The structure varies from day to day depending on conditions, but we know these spots like the back of our hands. Some days we'll anchor up and fish vertically, other times we'll drift over multiple pieces of structure. The Gulf changes constantly, and reading the water is half the battle. You'll learn to watch for bird activity, current breaks, and bait schools that signal feeding fish below.
Wreck fishing requires different tactics than open water fishing. We're using 50-80 pound class tackle with circle hooks and wire leaders because these fish have serious teeth and attitude. For Goliath Grouper, it's all about getting your bait down fast and keeping steady pressure once they bite – these fish will try to get back into the structure where they can break you off. With sharks, you need to let them run initially, then settle into a rhythm of give and take. We'll rig both live and cut baits depending on what's working. Fresh bonita, mackerel, and stingray chunks are shark candy, while Goliaths often prefer live pinfish or grunts. The key is matching your presentation to the current and the mood of the fish. Some days they want it right on the bottom, other times they'll come up in the water column to feed.
Blacktip Sharks are some of the most acrobatic fighters you'll find in these waters. They typically run 20-60 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water temps climb above 75 degrees. What makes blacktips so exciting is their speed and aerial displays – they'll take line faster than you can imagine, then launch themselves completely out of the water. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep one within regulations.
Lemon Sharks are the bulldozers of the shark world. These thick-bodied fish can reach 100+ pounds and fight with pure power rather than speed. They're year-round residents but seem most active during the warmer months. Lemons have a reputation for being curious and will often circle the boat before committing to a bait. Once hooked, they dig deep and use their bulk to test every component of your tackle. Many anglers consider them the ultimate Gulf shark because they combine size with stamina.
Bull Sharks are the apex predators everyone wants to tangle with. These fish can exceed 200 pounds and have the strongest bite force of any shark in our waters. They're most active from late spring through early fall, particularly around full moon phases when they move shallow to feed. Bulls are ambush predators that hit baits with authority, and the initial run can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They're also one of the few sharks that will aggressively fight all the way to the boat, making the entire battle memorable.
Gag Grouper are the smaller cousins of the Goliaths but pound-for-pound might be even stronger fighters. They average 15-30 pounds around the wrecks and are open season from July through December. Gags are excellent eating and known for their quick, powerful runs toward structure when hooked. They're also more likely to be caught in shallower water than Goliaths, making them perfect targets when conditions keep us closer to shore. Their aggressive feeding behavior and willingness to hit artificial lures makes them a favorite among visiting anglers.
Goliath Grouper are the giants that every angler dreams about. These fish can reach 300-500 pounds and provide a fight that's more about endurance than finesse. They're protected from harvest but are one of the most sought-after catch-and-release species in Florida. Peak season runs from summer into early fall when they aggregate around wrecks for spawning. What makes Goliaths special is their intelligence – they're curious fish that will often approach the boat and can be surprisingly gentle despite their size. The fight is all about keeping them out of the structure, and landing one is a team effort that creates memories for a lifetime.
This wreck fishing experience combines the best of what the Gulf of Mexico has to offer. You'll fish proven structure using proper techniques while targeting some of the most powerful fish that swim in these waters. Whether you're after the aerial acrobatics of blacktip sharks, the brute strength of bulls, or the sheer size of Goliath Grouper, these wrecks consistently produce action. The 4-person limit ensures you'll have plenty of room to fight fish and enough personal attention to make the most of your time on the water. Bear Hull Fishing Charters knows these spots and these species, and we're ready to put you on the
Our 2013 Carolina Skiff cuts through Gulf waters like she was born for it. This 24-footer packs a serious 140HP Suzuki that'll push her to 30 knots when you need to cover ground fast to reach those productive wreck sites off Bradenton. Built tough for serious fishing, she's got everything you need for a successful day targeting sharks and Goliath Grouper around the deep structures where these giants hang out. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating fish holding tight to wrecks, while GPS navigation keeps us locked onto those honey holes. When you hook into something big, the wireless trolling motor lets us stay quiet and position perfectly for the fight. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with Gulf monsters. Comfortable seating for up to four anglers means everyone gets prime real estate when the action heats up. This skiff handles the Gulf's chop with confidence, getting you to productive waters where massive sharks cruise the drop-offs and Goliath Grouper patrol their rocky territories around sunken vessels.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are one of our most reliable shark species here in the Gulf. These sleek predators average 4-5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet and 270 pounds. You'll spot them by those distinctive black-tipped fins and their habit of jumping clean out of the water when hooked - sometimes right into the boat! They cruise our reefs and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water, especially around structure where they hunt for mackerel, grouper, and their favorite - Atlantic croaker. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps climb. What makes them fun is that explosive initial run and aerial show. Use heavy braided line, 20-50 pound test with circle hooks. Here's a local trick: pound up some oily fish like mackerel into a chum slick, then drift live sardines behind the boat. That oil trail will bring them in from a mile away.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the toughest customers we target - thick, aggressive, and built for power. These gray bulldozers average 8-12 feet and can hit 300+ pounds with attitudes to match. They love our shallow coastal waters, especially around river mouths and near-shore structure in 20-100 feet. What makes them unique is they can handle freshwater too, so we sometimes find them way up in brackish areas. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're most active in our warmer waters. Guests get hooked on that initial bone-jarring hit and bulldogging fight - these fish don't give up easy. They're also one of the few sharks that'll hit topwater lures when they're fired up. The meat's excellent eating too, firm and mild. For bait, nothing beats fresh eel - the high oil content drives them crazy. My secret is to add some tuna oil to cut mullet or mackerel. Once you get one hooked, keep that drag tight and don't let them run to structure.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are some of our best eating fish and put up a solid scrap too. These mottled gray beauties average around 20 inches but the big boys can push 4-5 feet and 80 pounds. You'll find them around our offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 60-200 feet of water. Younger fish hang closer to shore, but the trophy-sized ones live on the deeper structure. Spring and fall are peak times when they're most active and feeding heavily. What guests love is the initial surprise - they hit hard and immediately try to dive back into their rocky hideouts. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality stuff. These fish are ambush predators, so live bait works best - pinfish, grunts, and small snappers. Circle hooks are required in Florida waters. Here's the key: once you hook one, lock that reel down tight and keep your rod tip low. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you up in the rocks and break you off every time.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the ultimate bucket-list fish - absolute giants that can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds. These massive predators live around our reefs, wrecks, and structure in 50-150 feet of water. They're protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release, but the experience is something you'll never forget. Summer spawning season brings the best action when they gather in groups. What makes them special is that first pull - it'll nearly yank you overboard if you're not ready. They're curious fish with no fear, often following divers and checking out the boat. The fight is short but intense, like being hooked to a submarine. You need serious tackle - 50-80 wide reels, 400-600 pound line, and 20/0 circle hooks. Fresh stingray, big jacks, or whole catfish work best for bait. Key tip: anchor close enough to the structure to get their attention, but far enough away to have a chance to pull them off the bottom before they get back home and break you off.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are some of the most impressive predators you'll encounter in our Gulf waters. These stocky, yellow-bronze beauties typically run 6-8 feet but can push 11 feet and over 400 pounds. They prefer our shallow nearshore waters, sandy flats, and mangrove areas in 10-80 feet of water. What sets them apart is their aggressive nature and powerful build - they're built like underwater bulldozers. Summer months are prime time when they move into warmer shallows to hunt. Guests love the raw power these fish deliver - it's a straight-up tug of war with serious muscle behind it. They're also curious sharks that'll often circle the boat before committing to a bait. For the best results, fish large cut baits like stingray or jack crevalle near structure during moving tides. My go-to trick is using fresh stingray wings on the bottom - lemons can't resist that scent trail, and the tough skin stays on the hook longer.
Bradenton, FL, United States